health
Final frontier for meds? UK startup sends drug-making into space
BioOrbit hopes drug-crystallisation technology will lead to self-injected cancer treatment that could save millions
TL;DR
- BioOrbit, a UK startup, has sent its Box-E unit to the International Space Station to develop advanced protein crystals.
- The microgravity environment in space enables the creation of ultra-pure and highly stable protein crystals for pharmaceutical use.
- This technology could lead to self-injectable cancer drugs, offering a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to lengthy intravenous infusions.
- The resulting concentrated drug formulations will have a low enough viscosity for easy injection.
- BioOrbit has raised significant funding and secured contracts to advance its in-space manufacturing capabilities.
- While clinical trials and regulatory approval will take at least five years, the technology also has potential for other intravenous drug treatments.